Successfully Figuring Out The Nuances Of Spousal Maintenance
Divorce is an already emotional and complicated process. And some of the components of this process are especially delicate. Alimony and spousal maintenance are some of the more complex and sensitive issues involved in divorce.
People trying to figure out spousal maintenance often have a lot of questions surrounding this process. A dedicated spousal maintenance attorney in Raleigh, North Carolina, can assist with this process and help make sure you come to an agreement that’s fair and prioritizes your interests. Whether you’re the recipient or the payer in this situation, an attorney from Piedmont Eastern Litigation can advocate for you.
What To Know About Spousal Maintenance
Alimony and spousal maintenance are designed to ensure that the lower-earning or nonearning spouse can still maintain a similar standard of living after a divorce. This can reassure people considering or seeking a divorce and alleviate any financial-related concerns for people who want to end their marriage.
In some cases, people can come to an arrangement themselves, avoiding the stress and emotions of litigation. A spousal maintenance lawyer can help people find agreements that satisfy both parties independently of the court system. You and your spouse may be able to come to an agreed-upon amount of alimony based on your circumstances and the other terms of the divorce settlement.
However, this can be a particularly contentious part of the divorce process, and in many cases, this issue is brought to the North Carolina courts. In these cases, the courts will examine the conditions of both your current married life and the terms of your divorce. Spousal maintenance amounts are usually determined based on a few different factors, including:
- The income and income potential of both spouses
- Age and health of both spouses
- Accounts and retirement benefits, including investments
- The length of marriage
- The standard of living during the marriage
- Education level and contributions of each spouse (i.e., one spouse working to help pay for the other’s education)
- Debts and other support obligations
In North Carolina, people may be eligible for one or more types of alimony based on the above circumstances. Temporary alimony may be awarded during the duration of the court process, and permanent alimony can be awarded long-term after the divorce settlement.
There is no specific formula for determining the exact amount of spousal maintenance a spouse can receive. The amount is ultimately left to the court’s discretion. However, the process is designed to be fair to both parties involved, not to punish one or the other.
A spousal maintenance lawyer from our firm can further explain this process and provide more insight into what the courts may look at when determining alimony amounts. Our attorneys have dedicated experience figuring out this part of the divorce process and can provide valuable advice and guidance through your entire divorce.
Learn More About This Process
If you have questions or are seeking more information about this part, or the divorce process overall, contact us today. A spousal maintenance lawyer can give you the answers you’re looking for and help you figure out how to move forward. Our attorneys have years of specific experience in divorce and are knowledgeable about the process of obtaining or coming to a fair agreement about spousal maintenance.
Find out if one of our Durham County divorce attorneys is a good fit for your situation. We’ll start with an initial consultation, during which you can learn about our services and we can learn about you and your situation. Call 984-308-8900 or use our online contact form to get in touch today.